President Gustavo Petro ordered the Colombian military and police not to support or arrange a military-base inauguration for president-elect Abelardo De la Espriella [1, 2].

The directive creates a significant logistical and symbolic conflict between the current administration and the incoming president-elect ahead of the transition of power. By restricting access to military sites, Petro is limiting the venues available for a ceremony traditionally associated with state authority, and security.

The order applies to all military bases and police units nationwide [1, 2]. The administration notified De la Espriella that the use of a military garrison for the event is not permitted [2, 3].

Petro said the plan to hold the inauguration in a military installation faces a legal obstacle [1, 2]. According to the president, only Congress has the authority to approve such a venue for the ceremony [1, 2].

De la Espriella had planned for the inauguration to take place on Aug. 7, 2026 [1]. The directive was issued and reported during the first 10 days of July [1, 2].

The Colombian presidency maintains that the security forces must follow this directive to ensure legal compliance during the transition period [2, 3]. This move effectively blocks the president-elect from utilizing the armed forces' infrastructure for his formal entry into office [1].

“President Gustavo Petro ordered the Colombian military and police not to support or arrange a military-base inauguration”

This directive signals a tense transition of power in Colombia, where the outgoing president is using administrative and legal levers to control the optics and location of the incoming leader's inauguration. By citing the need for congressional approval, Petro is shifting the decision from a military logistical matter to a legislative one, potentially forcing De la Espriella to negotiate with political opponents or settle for a non-military venue.